4 Ways to Fight Childhood Obesity

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September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and at Texas Foot Specialists we want to focus on this important health issue for our families. It’s estimated that nearly 1 in 5 children in our country are obese. Many of the contributing factors to children being overweight have ratcheted up during the pandemic:

  • Too much time spent being physically inactive

  • A lack of places available in the community to get physical activity

  • A decrease in organized sports

  • Easy access to unhealthy, high-calorie foods and sugary beverages

Small Steps Can Lead to Big Losses

If your child is overweight, your best bet is not to try to make radical changes that he or she will be overwhelmed by. Instead, try these four suggestions and slowly start to help your child to a healthier lifestyle.

  1. Downsize your plates—something as simple as using a smaller dinner plate will automatically reduce the amount of food you can fit on it. Encourage your child to fill half the plate with vegetables or salad, one quarter with lean protein, and one quarter with carbs like potatoes or rice.

  2. Swap screen time for active time—if your child spends countless hours on their phone or in front of a tablet, computer, or television, set a limit on the amount of daily screen time allowed. Offer to hike, bike, or swim with them in place of sedentary screen activities. Making physical activity fun and an opportunity to have one on one time with you will provide added incentive.

  3. Make one healthy change—help your child explore more healthful alternatives for some of their current food choices. Could they switch from sugary sodas and juices to flavored seltzers or try low fat, low-sugar frozen yogurt instead of ice cream? Calculate how many calories could be cut on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis by making just one change.

  4. Create a better sleep routine—did you know that lack of sleep is also a contributing factor to obesity? Set a regular bedtime and wake up time and stick to it consistently. Eliminate electronics from sleeping spaces and avoid caffeinated beverages in the evening.

If your child is experiencing foot pain due to their weight or for any reason, contact our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600) or Houston (713-664-6677) offices so that our  podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum, can examine their feet and diagnose any podiatric problems.